Flexible data partitioning in systems using wideband channel bonding modems

Abstract

The invention relates to improved utilization of modems for data communication and particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, relates to use of wideband modems. The invention relates to a method for allocating groups of channels to users or groups of users in an improved manner, such that at least one of the channels in a group of channels is available to both a first user or group of users and a second user or groups of users. This is in contrast to the conventional method where typically a group of channels is only available to one user or group of users. The present invention provides large advantages over the conventional method for communications and increases the capacity for burst rate data communication via the modem.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to British Application Number 0517843.9 filed 2 Sep. 2005. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT [0003] Not Applicable INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC [0004] Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0005] The invention to which this application relates is the improved utilization of modems for data communication and particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, related to the use of wideband modems. [0006] Wideband modems are known to offer the ability to deliver very high bandwidth for data transmission and communication to individual users. However, it is known that significant spectral contention still exists in most networks, such as cable based networks on which digital data relating to a range of services such as television channels, internet and the lik...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] The aim of the present invention is to provide greater flexibility to users of wideband bonded modems and, thereby, provide increased benefit to the users.

[0012] In accordance with the method of the invention, there is provided high peak to average data rates to individual users and / or the ability to maximize network capacity by providing hybrid multicast and unicast services

[0015] As a result of the present invention, although the number of users sharing any specific channel remains the same, a greater number of users share the capacity of the group of bonded channels. This allows greater flexibility in partitioning the data between the users.

[0021] Typically, the partial sharing increases the number of clients which can influence the time division multiplexing of the aggregated data and this provides greater flexibility in managing resource contention.

Problems solved by technology

However, it is known that significant spectral contention still exists in most networks, such as cable based networks on which digital data relating to a range of services such as television channels, internet and the like can be carried.

However a disadvantage of the use of time division multiplexing with the wideband channel bonding modems is the lack of flexibility.

This means that the time division multiplexing of the data is limited to the users that are grouped together having to share the group of bonded channels of the modem.

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